UW Medicine

06/19/2024

All hospital campuses across UW Medicine raised a flag to commemorate Juneteenth. This is a day to understand our shared history, recognize the contributions of Black people and renew our commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable future for all. It is also an opportunity to find out more about Juneteenth, reflect on how history impacts the present and consider what each of us can do to create a more just future.

This flag was specially designed to help tell the story of Juneteenth. There is a star representing the state of Texas, the outline of a bursting star that represents this day of liberation as a new beginning, and the red, white and blue colors of the American flag that connect this observance to the ideal of liberty and justice for all.

At UW Medicine, we are committed to the ongoing work to honor diversity, achieve equity, promote inclusion and secure justice.

06/18/2024

Dr. Pavitra Roychoudhury, a pathologist at UW Medicine, told KUOW Public Radio that despite mass public COVID-19 testing sites and reporting of rapid testing being a thing of the past, "wastewater and hospitalization/ED visit rates are a reasonable proxy."

These areas are showing a slight surge in Washington's COVID-19 levels. Staying home when you aren't feeling well and staying up to date with your vaccines are still important steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from becoming infected, according to Dr. Scott Lindquist, the Washington state epidemiologist.

Washington state is once again in the midst of a slight Covid-19 surge. It's an indication that Covid is not yet acting like a seasonal respiratory virus, like flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which show up each year in the fall and winter.

06/18/2024

We're proud to say that UW Medical Center — Montlake and Valley Medical Center were recognized as one of America’s Best Maternity Hospitals in 2024 by Newsweek.

The list recognizes the top 404 leading maternity hospitals in the U.S. to help people find care. The Statista ranking is based on a nationwide online survey of hospital managers and medical professionals, publicly available data, and other hospital quality metrics.

UW Medical Center was also recognized by U.S. News & World Report in their 2024 Best Hospitals for Maternity Care.

Newsweek has partnered with data and business intelligence portal Statista for the third annual ranking of America's Best Maternity Hospitals. The list recognizes the 404 leading maternity hospitals in the U.S.

06/17/2024

An estimated 11 million adults in the U.S. have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and it could be having an effect on relationships.

“Individuals with ADHD are at a much higher risk for marital conflicts and divorces,” says Dr. Mark Stein, a psychologist and professor of psychiatry at the University of Washington School of Medicine - WWAMI.

ADHD can often be confused with, or exist alongside, something else that needs to be addressed, like anxiety or depression, or even a sleep disorder or hypothyroidism, and an official diagnosis can be a huge relief for both partners.

These tools can help you both.

06/14/2024

That feeling when it's finally the weekend and you can train for UW Medicine Seattle Marathon!

Do you prefer running on a treadmill, a track, or outdoors on your own path? 🏃

🔁 📸 Seattle Marathon

06/13/2024

UW Medicine has been nominated for many of the awards in the Seattle Times 2024 Best in the PNW contest, which features the “Best Of” for local places, restaurants and businesses nominated and selected by the community.

We would appreciate your vote! Look for us in the “Health & Beauty” category under the following subcategories:

- Audiologist / Hearing Center
- Cancer Treatment Center (Fred Hutch Cancer Center)
- Dermatology
- Doctor
- Eye Surgery
- Fertility Specialists
- Hospital
- Mental Health Services
- Orthopedics
- Pediatrician
- Physical Therapy
- Primary Care
- Specialty Medical Practice
- Urgent Care / Walk-In Clinic
- Women’s Clinic

Visit www.votethepnw.com and cast your vote. You can vote once a day through June 28 at 5 p.m.

Vote once a day from June 10th through June 28th!

06/13/2024

“How close to death must somebody be before a doctor is able to step in and provide care?” said Dr. Sarah Prager, an obstetrics and gynecology professor at University of Washington School of Medicine - WWAMI. That’s a question physicians face most acutely in states like Idaho that have abortion bans with an exception for when a patient’s life is at risk.

Governor Jay Inslee is directing the Washington State Department of Health to write a rule clarifying state abortion laws require hospitals to provide emergency services to perform abortions when patients’ health is in jeopardy.

Dr. Prager, said in an interview after a related news conference that she and her colleagues sometimes see patients who have been transferred for emergency abortions from other Washington facilities though it would have benefited them to remain closer to home.

This is because some hospitals in the state do not offer “elective” abortions, but still claim that in complex pregnancies or situations in which a pregnant person’s life is at risk, "clinicians exercise their best medical judgment" and provide all necessary interventions to protect and save the life of the mother.

Governor Inslee's direction to the Department of Health is a preventive measure prompted by the looming Supreme Court decision on whether a federal law requires hospitals to provide emergency abortions.

Governor Jay Inslee is issuing a directive to clarify state laws in advance of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on emergency abortions.

06/12/2024

Residents from University of Washington Integrated Plastic Surgery Residency recently learned about craniomaxillofacial fixation and practiced their plating techniques during weekly didactics. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect, and this skills lab allows our residents to do just that!

Our internationally-recognized surgical team performs unique treatments and procedures for patients from across the U.S., and collaborate closely across disciplines to improve your quality of life.

06/11/2024

Research and understanding of grieving has expanded since the five stages of grief famously outlined by psychiatrist Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in the late 1960s.

“Grief is ever-evolving and not something we can fix right away; it is a lifelong piece of you that you carry along with you and that changes with you,” says Lauren Schmidt, a palliative care social worker at University of Washington Medical Center – Montlake.

Grief also takes on physical symptoms in the body, since it is so stressful. Anything that stress can do to your body, grief can do, too. There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and it isn't a linear process.

No, not five stages

06/10/2024

The "Seattle freeze" can leave some folks feeling pretty lonely sometimes. But experts say that loneliness and social isolation are bad for your physical and mental health, and encourage patients to bring the topic up during routine health visits.

“I think loneliness should be incorporated into healthcare and into primary care, because of how much it affects health,” family physician Dr. Sebastian Tong recently told ABC News. “We're seeing the prevalence is much higher than many chronic diseases.”

Last year, Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, even declared loneliness and isolation an epidemic and Its health impacts have been compared to smoking up to 15 ci******es a day!

If you are experiencing feelings of loneliness, don't be shy to mention something to your doctor.

Physicians are calling for primary care doctors to ask patients about loneliness and social isolation at routine health checks and when managing chronic diseases.

06/07/2024

A sense of community is important to your overall health and well-being.

“When you’re in a marginalized group, you can’t always find these connections in everyday life,” says Dr. Corinne Heinen, the physician lead at the UW Transgender & Non-binary Health Program. “And especially if you don’t fit into the assumptions of society, it’s even more important that people can connect with folks with whom they have an affinity.”

Dr. Heinenhas a few suggestions how to find q***r support and community

Everyone needs strong, supportive friendships, but it can be challenging to finding community.

06/06/2024

Harborview Medical Center’s Community Heart Failure Program stabilizes patients’ cardiac health and reduces their admissions, lengths of stay and emergency-department visits.

It started with blood-draw supplies and a blood pressure cuff being put into a backpack and walked down into the neighborhood by heart-failure nurse practitioner Jaimie Pechan and Kate Smith, a heart failure registered nurse. Now, appointments take place where patients feel most comfortable: apartments, tents, parking lots, bus stops, and even in the back seats of cars.

“You’re trying to stay well, but you don't have transportation, or you’re in withdrawal or your mental illness is totally untreated. The idea that you'll get on a bus and show up promptly at 11:30 on a Tuesday is not realistic for many people. Most people want care, but the American healthcare system is not set up for them to be successful," says Pechan.

On its face, a small mobile-care program in the Seattle metro area sounds mostly like a gesture of compassion from the county hospital: Clinicians make house calls to treat a few dozen citizens who struggle with life’s daily demands.  

06/05/2024

What is one thing you are doing today to take care of yourself?

“One way we can start taking care of our mental health is by starting to pause and take stock of how we are doing. I will often ask folks to do a ‘3 Centers’ check-in, where I ask them to take a deep breath as they reflect on how they are feeling in their body, head and heart," says Dr. Anne Browning, associate dean for Well-Being at the University of Washington School of Medicine - WWAMI.

Attending to your moods and emotions can help you be more caring to yourself and the people around you.

“Noticing our aches and pains or excitements and joys can help us attune to our own well-being, to notice the shifts over time, and ultimately attend to our mental, physical and emotional health,” says Browning.

Checking in on our mental health and well-being is always a priority. Here are three ways to maintain a positive headspace:
1. Treat yourself — You don’t need to fill up on your favorite sweets or buy an expensive lunch, but try to find something in your day that can bring you joy and excitement, such as listening to your favorite podcast or taking time to connect with colleagues.

2. Take breaks — Regular breaks can be beneficial to your physical and emotional health. Stand up, take a walk or get some sunshine.

3. Talk it out — If you’re feeling stressed or feel your mood negatively shift, try to take a minute to talk to a loved one or a trusted friend.

06/04/2024

This is what it sounds like when 250 new doctors recite the Physician's Oath.

University of Washington School of Medicine - WWAMI medical students practiced saying the oath backstage before the big moment at Benaroya Hall last week.

This is a huge day in the life of a physician, and we celebrate our graduates and new MDs! 🎉🥼🩺

06/03/2024

UW Medicine is proud to raise the LGBTQ+ Pride flag at each of our hospitals to show support for our employees, patients and community members. 🏳️‍🌈

We are honored that the Human Rights Campaign has, once again, awarded UW Medicine hospitals the Healthcare Equality Leader designation. We are committed to improving health equity for all our patients and to creating an environment that lets people be their authentic selves.

At UW Medicine, we continue to be at the forefront of healthcare for LGBTQ+ patients, from our LGBTQ+ Heath Equity Pathway program, one of many Health Equity Pathway programs that better prepare medical students to provide culturally responsive care, to the creation of the Center for 2SLGBTQ+ Health, which will serve as a hub for research, education and advocacy for the healthcare needs of the community.

Additionally, our Transgender and Gender Non-Binary Health Program (TGNB) provides gender-affirming healthcare access that is integrated throughout primary, surgical, specialty, and mental health services.

Happy Pride!

06/01/2024

UW Medicine is excited to be part of in the Park! Come say hi at our booth today, June 1st, until 7pm in Volunteer Park as we celebrate 50 years of Pride in Seattle. 🏳️‍🌈

06/01/2024

UW Medicine supports NAMI Washington to help fuel mental health awareness, raise funds for NAMI’s mission and let people know they are not alone.

06/01/2024

This evening, we’re joining our friends the Seattle Mariners as they playing against the Los Angeles Angels to raise awareness about stroke warning signs and how to be there for your friends and family in times of need! $5 from every ticket will benefit the United Stroke Alliance and some lucky fans will go home with a Mariners-themed Strike Out Stroke T-shirt.

No matter the results of tonights game, we consider this a win!

05/31/2024

A new study has found that girls in the United States had their first periods earlier over the last five decades and it took longer to experience regular cycles.

“We certainly see patients who are presenting with periods at age nine or 10,” Dr Anne-Marie Amies Oelschlager, a pediatric gynecologist at the University of Washington School of Medicine - WWAMI told Guardian US. She is also the chair of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists - ACOG clinical consensus committee for gynecology.

“Even though that’s considered in the typical range, it’s quite distressing for our patients and their parents. They’re still in elementary school in third or fourth grade, and trying to manage periods in third or fourth grade is hard,” she says.

Trend is especially pronounced among Black, Hispanic and Asian participants, and those who report lower socioeconomic status

05/30/2024

Sarah Turnbaugh's own personal experience with a stroke now helps her as a Nurse Navigator to give patients resources, encouragement and empathy as they transition from hospital care back to home life.

As a registered nurse at Harborview Medical Center, she realized that the worst headache of her life turned out to be a sign that she had suffered a stroke. With care, she recovered, and today she works with patients at UW Medicine’s Comprehensive Stroke Center.

She is proof that the challenges of recovery can be conquered.

05/29/2024

If you have a book you've been meaning to read for a while but just haven't gotten around to it, you may want to consider the health benefits of reading.

When you read, different brain regions like the temporal and frontal lobes, which help with speech, memory and language comprehension, are involved. The more you read, the stronger those networks become, which helps improve brain and memory function. Reading can also improve mood and reduce stress.

“Studies have found a connection between reading books and brain health. In particular, regular reading seems to be a protective factor against cognitive decline and dementia,” says psychologist Dr. Ariel Starr. “Like learning a new language or solving puzzles, reading is a cognitively stimulating activity.”

Start your reading wellness journey with this article from Right as Rain, and then plan your next trip to your local library! 📖

Dust off your bookshelf.

05/28/2024

The Seattle Times recently covered the opening of the new Center for Behavioral Health and Learning at the UW Medical Center - Northwest campus.

“It really has been designed to take care of patients well from the very beginning,” said Dr. Anna Ratzliff, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine - WWAMI and an attending physician at the hospital. “There’s been a lot of attention on trying to really make this a place that can help people who are often not able to access high-quality care.”

The new facility's contemporary design, calming color palette, advanced safety features and integrated model of care are emblematic of a new era in mental health treatment. Learn more here.

A new behavioral health hospital on UW Medical Center-Northwest’s campus in Seattle will add psychiatric beds for older adults and people who are civilly committed.

05/24/2024

Each year during Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, employees share their cultural pride and experiences. This month, we asked some of our ANHPI colleagues what their heritage and cultures mean to them.

Roni Wadhwani (She / Her), ARNP, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Harborview Medical Center: "I entered the field of endocrinology, after several years in primary care, with a focus on diabetes and gender-affirming care. Diabetes is prevalent in my family of origin and disproportionally impacts ANHPI communities. The highlight of my work is getting to discuss lifestyle choices through the lens of mutual love of food and appreciation for cultural food traditions. For those patients with food insecurity, our clinic is also a place where they can come for tea and nutritious snacks. I am grateful that the phase of the pandemic that limited the sharing of food has ended, and that we may gather again in this way with all of our different communities."

Manami Honda (She / Her), DNP, ARNP, Post-Acute Care Services, Harborview Medical Center: "My upbringing in the countryside of Japan holds immense significance to me. Growing up in rural Japan influenced my values of community, reverence for nature and heritage, and a strong work ethic. These values, deeply embedded in Japanese culture, continue to shape my approach not only to healthcare but also to life in general."

Seo-Eun Choi (She / Her), PhD, MS, Research Scientist, Center for Psychometric Analyses in Aging and Neurodegeneration, University of Washington School of Medicine - WWAMI: "It’s hard to explain what being Korean means to me in English because there aren’t always the right words to describe what I want to say. There’s 열정 (yeol-jeong), which could be translated as ardor or passion—it’s a feeling of determination and tenacity, the drive behind achieving the improbable and the constant pull upwards to the next breakthrough. There’s 흥 (heung), which means joy, passion or energy — but it’s also listening to upbeat music on a sunny road trip or excitedly talking about a favorite TV show with your friends. Then there’s 해학 (hae-hak), which goes deeper than entertainment or sarcasm to find not just the good in a bad situation, but also elegance in humor that can become a defense and comfort for victims."

We are proud to celebrate the diverse cultures and vast achievements of Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander peoples, cultures and communities.

(Note: responses have been edited for length.)

05/23/2024

We're highlighting the diverse voices of our Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander colleagues for ANHPI Month and we asked them what their heritage and cultures mean to them.

Sheila Lukito (She / Her), PharmD, CPPS, Medication Safety Officer, Valley Medical Center: "My ethnicity is Chinese Indonesian, which is an ethnic minority in Indonesia. My parents decided to come to the U.S. when I was in elementary school to make sure my sister and I had equal opportunities to succeed. I remember the first time I set foot in the UW campus as a little girl; I was in awe of its beauty and the diversity of the students walking around campus. Later, as a UW student, I learned to be proud of who you are no matter where you come from, to speak up with empathy, to never give up, and to pass down the knowledge to the next generation."

Grace Kwak (She / Her), Program Coordinator, Radiology, University of Washington School of Medicine - WWAMI: "One thing that I have experienced through my Korean heritage is the family-oriented values that have provided a foundation of who I am today. My family, especially living in a foreign land, have emphasized values such as protecting the family, establishing close family ties, and working hard. One example of this would be the Korea Thanksgiving Day also known as Chuseok. The entire family would gather, work hard in preparation for a feast, and celebrate hard. My favorite memory was when I would sneak a songpyeon (a type of rice cake) without my mother noticing while doing chores assigned to me to prepare for the holiday."

Chris Mirabueno (He / Him), Program Operations Manager, Supply Chain – Medical Stores, UW Medical Center – Montlake: "My family is Filipino and Filipinos define “family” on a very broad scale, not limited to blood relatives. Besides our own extended families, we grow up regarding our parents’ friends as aunts and uncles, their children as cousins. There seems to be running joke between Filipinos: When we meet for the first time, very often someone says something like, “We’re probably cousins one way or another.” Foundationally, it helps perpetuate the deep sense of community felt in that there is a sense of obligation to look out for each other, make sure everyone is safe and well."

Keep an eye out for our posts tomorrow highlighting three more UW Medicine team members!

(Note: responses were lightly edited for length.)

05/23/2024

The apps on our devices are designed to activate our brain’s reward system by triggering the release of dopamine, which, when it fades, causes psychological distress that we want to relieve by doing more of the activity.

For people with a serious addiction to a behavior like gambling, it can become a real problem when it comes to sports betting apps, where the behavior begins to impact their daily lives.

“These compulsive behaviors can be engaged in so much more easily. If you were addicted to gambling and before you had to go to a casino, well, now you’ve basically got a casino in your pocket," says clinical spychologist Dr. Koriann Cox.

If you’re struggling with a behavioral addiction like sports betting, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Talk to your doctor or call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1.800.GAMBLER for help.

Here’s how to know if you have a problem.

05/22/2024

In recognition and celebration of Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month (ANHPI), we asked some of our ANHPI colleagues what their heritage and cultures mean to them.

Ashley Allman (She / Her), RN, BSN, CCRN / Surgical ICU, UW Medical Center – Montlake: "Throughout my life I’ve had great mentors to inspire my career path. I’ve always been drawn to the concept of healing and I knew I wanted to be a nurse from a young age. I’m grateful to now engage with people from all walks of life and serve my community. I also love the sense of camaraderie on our small but fast-paced unit as we care for critically ill patients.

I am Native Hawaiian, Filipino, Portuguese, born and raised in Maui, Hawai’i. My upbringing was immersed in Hawaiian values and traditions. What keeps me grounded and feeling connected to my roots is appreciating the deep sense of ‘ohana (family), aloha (love) and kūleana (responsibility and privilege) between people, the land and each other. The idea of mālama ‘āina/aloha ‘āina exists in Hawai’i, and it means that by taking care of and respecting the land, it will in turn take care of you."

Jin Xu (She / Her), Finance Supervisor, Radiation Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine - WWAMI: "I used to work for the United Nations Beijing Office as a program and finance assistant, which was a rewarding and inspiring experience. I had a summer internship at United Nations Development Program in New York, which instilled my ultimate career goal in the public sector. I worked for the Public Health Department in Oregon and then joined the UW School of Medicine. My current position in the Radiation Oncology Department provides me with ample opportunities in various aspects of financial management.

As a Chinese American, a big part of what I was taught growing up was the importance of caring for your family and serving the community. That’s why I enjoy volunteering at my kids’ schools and in my neighborhood, and why I think outreach is important."

James Li (He / Him), ARNP, UW Medicine Primary Care at Federal Way: "I was a former social worker and wanted to be more involved with people’s care. Training to be a nurse practitioner allows me to be able to do more for people.

I’m from Taiwan and grew up in Texas. My Taiwanese culture is an important part of my identity and I strive to represent its inviting and friendly nature. We love sharing food to get to know each other and I think it’s a great way to get to know Taiwan. Taiwan has been such a forefront in innovation, and you might have even experienced some yourself like boba tea, Din Tai Fung, pineapple cakes or cat cafes!"

Keep an eye out for more quotes from our ANHPI colleagues later this week!

Note: some responses have been lightly edited for length.

05/22/2024

The topic of "sleep divorce", when a couple chooses to sleep alone rather than in the same bed, can be a bit polarizing when first mentioned. However, UW Medicine sleep experts say that being well-rested and getting good sleep should be a priority when it comes to our overall health.

"There is a stigma with sleeping separately," said Dr. Watson, co-director of the Sleep Medicine Center at Harborview Medical Center. "But I think that's rapidly going away and people understand the importance of sleep to their overall health and well-being. If you're well-rested and have healthy sleep, you're going to be a much better partner and friend, and you're going to be more patient and effective during the day."

Show of hands, who loves their sleep?

05/21/2024

A study through the University of Washington School of Medicine - WWAMI of an electrical-stimulation device has shown great promise for patients with loss of function and other side effects of spinal cord injury.

The international clinical trial used a device that provides electrical current to the spinal cord through electrodes on the skin. The patches are designed to numb the contact point to allow for five times more current to be delivered compared to standard treatments.

A research team led by Chet Moritz, professor of rehabilitation medicine at the University of Washington School of Medicine, found that 72% of participants significantly improved strength and function by using the treatment for two months. The participants in the initial studies also kept those gains after discontinuing use of the electrical-impulse device.

“We've seen people that have no functional use of their hands at all go from not being able to pick up an object or manipulate an object all the way to being able to play an electric guitar or use a paint brush on canvas,” Moritz said. “We've also seen some people who had no movement of their fingers at all start moving them for the first time in more than a year since their injury.”

05/17/2024

KING 5 showcased the new Center for Behavioral Health and Learning, which aims to tackle several problems including the need for increased hospital care and more workforce training.

Watch their video to get an inside look at the new facility that promotes well-being, healing, and learning for patients, staff, visitors and trainees in a welcoming and safe environment.

UW Medicine is unveiling what it calls a new era for behavioral health care. Inpatient treatment begins in June.

12/23/2023

The holidays are in full swing, and our experts have tips to keep you and your family safe this season while you travel, enjoy food with others and even on how to make those New Year's habits stick.